The Difference Between A Laser Engraver And A CNC Engraver
What is the difference between a laser engraving machine and a CNC engraving machine? Many friends who want to buy an engraving machine are confused by this. In truth, the broad concept of CNC engraving machines includes laser engraving machines, which can be equipped with laser heads for engraving. A laser engraving machine can also be a CNC engraving machine. Therefore, the two have an intertwined relationship, but there are also many differences. In the following, we will share with you the similarities and differences between these two machines.
In reality, both machines are driven by the computer numerical control (CNC). The engraving file needs to be designed first, then open the file via software and start the CNC programming. The control system receives the control command and then the engraver starts to work.
The differences are as follows:
1. Different working principle
Laser engraving machine is a kind of equipment that uses the thermal energy of the laser to engrave the material. The laser is issued by a laser generator and focused into a high power density laser beam through an optical path system. The light of the laser beam can cause chemical and physical changes in the surface material to engrave marks, or burn off part of the material to show the pattern and text that needs to be etched.
The CNC engraving machine counts on a high-speed rotating engraving head driven by an electric spindle. By means of a tool configured according to the material to be processed, it is possible to cut the processed material fixed on the main machine table and engrave various flat or three-dimensional patterns designed by the computer. Relief graphics and text can be automatically engraved by the operation.
2. Different mechanical structures
Laser engraving machine according to its specific use can be divided into different types of special machines. The structures of these special machines are roughly identical. For example: the laser source sends out the laser, the CNC system controls the stepper motor, through the laser head, reflector, lens and other optical components, so that the focal point moves on the X, Y, Z axis of the machine tool, thus ablating the material for engraving.
The structure of the CNC engraving machine is relatively simple. It is controlled by a computer numerical control system which enables the engraving machine to automatically select the appropriate engraving tool for engraving in the X, Y and Z axes of the machine.
In addition, the tool of a laser engraving machine is a complete set of optical components. The tools of a CNC engraving machine are various solid engraving tools.
3. Different processing accuracy
The diameter of the laser beam is only 0.01mm. The laser beam can be used for smooth and bright engraving and cutting in narrow and delicate areas. But the CNC tool can't help, because the diameter of the CNC tool is 20 times larger than the laser beam, so the processing accuracy of the CNC engraving machine is not as good as the laser engraving machine.
4. Different processing efficiency
Laser speed is fast, its speed is 2.5 times the speed of CNC engraving machine. Because laser engraving and polishing can be completed at one time, so CNC needs to be completed in two times. Moreover, the laser engraving machine consumes less energy than the CNC engraving machine.
5. Other differences
Laser engraving machines are noiseless, pollution-free and efficient; CNC engraving machines are noisier and environmentally polluting.
Laser engraving machine is non-contact processing, no need to fix the workpiece; CNC engraving machine is contact processing, the workpiece needs to be fixed.
Laser engraving machines can process soft materials such as fabric, leather, film etc.; CNC engraving machines cannot process because they cannot hold the workpiece in place.
Laser engraving machine in carving non-metallic thinner materials and some high melting point materials better, but can only be used for flat engraving. CNC engraving machine shape although there are certain limitations, but can produce relief and other three-dimensional finished products.
Laser engraving has been widely used in various industrial manufacturing fields and gotten more and more attention, many traditional engraving processes are gradually being replaced. So it is not hard to see that laser engraving is becoming the mainstream of industrial engraving!
MRJ-Laser focuses on personalized and intelligent laser engraving, laser cleaning and laser welding, customized R&D; It has been sold to more than 60 countries and regions worldwide such as the United States, Germany, Italy, India, South Africa, Japan, Canada, etc.
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